A while back, I had a chance to try out Joe's Jeans -- a brand that would otherwise probably be a little out of my price range. That being said, I do think that, if you're building a solid wardrobe, good jeans are one of those things you shouldn't be afraid to spend money on -- you'll wear them a ton, and if you ask me, it's all about cost-per-wear. And, if you're working hard to get your body looking good, it's important that you have some nice, go-to clothes that make you feel hot!

If you're going to spend a little money on jeans, Joe's Jeans is a brand you definitely need to check out. The denim is so very soft and comfortable, and in my experience they're really flattering. And, they offer lots of different styles (you can view them by fit or scroll through to see all the different styles and washes), so whether you're rail-thin and looking for skinny jeans, or a little curvier and looking for something that will balance out your bootie, they've got you covered. Oh, and guys? They've got plenty for you as well, so don't shy away. They even have cool kids' stuff!

And with this week's Fit Beauty Giveaway, you just might have a chance to have a pair of your own. In fact, you have a pretty good shot -- we'll be selecting five winners, each of whom will have his or her choice of Joe's Jeans styles! And there's more -- our stylish sister site, StyleList blog, is also giving away five pairs. So, you have 10 chances to win.

Entering is simple, and with all these chances to win, what are you waiting for?

• To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about your favorite pants (because, if you win, these jeans will become your new favorite).
  
• The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Monday, February 2, 2009.
  
• You may enter only once at That's Fit and once at StyleList blog.
• Five winners will be selected in a random drawing.
  
• Five winners will receive one pair of Joe's Jeans of his or her choice (valued at up to approximately $178).
• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.

Click here for complete Official Rules.

Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're a winner!

Have fitness questions? Fitz has your answers. Our ThatsFit.com fitness expert -- and now your own virtual personal trainer -- will help you get fit, increase your overall health and do it in a fun way. Drop your questions here in the Comments section below and we'll choose one per week to publish on That's Fit! Learn more about Fitz here.

Q. Hi Fitz. I keep hearing both you and other people say I should do push-ups, but I'm a small woman and don't want to bulk up. Push-ups are hard, so should I do them if I want to stay toned yet trim? Alyssa

A. Great question, Alyssa! This common question is on the mind of many women, and I'm happy to give this answer as many times as there are women who need to hear it. What you need to know is that it requires extraordinary effort for most women to put on any sort of bulky muscle. That means: protein shakes, supplements and insane amounts of heavy lifting. Of course, there are a few rare women here and there who pack on muscle quickly, but if you're already telling me you are small ... you are not one of those rare women.

Source

Organic clothing has had a bit of a bad reputation -- I know my mind used to immediately go to scratchy fabrics, dull colors, and baggy, unflattering styles. I might live the hippie lifestyle in some ways by trying to be as green as possilbe, but I don't want to look ... crunchy. You know?

Enter Danskin Prima Organics. They sent me a couple of pieces to try out, and let me just say that my mindset has definitely been adjusted. Each piece is made of earth-friendly certified organic cotton, dyed and printed using non-toxic organic dyes and finishes. And that's not all -- each garment comes with a recyclable hangtag made from 30 percent post-consumer waste, attached with an organic cotton string.

The website describes the collection as "feminine and contemporary," saying it "offers you fashionable functional looks created in the spirit of dance style and yoga chic. Sumptuous soft, lightweight quality fabrics and sensational lines wrap you in comfort ... Pose flex and move with ease in gorgeous pieces to wear alone, layer, and even add to your casual wardrobe for a cool highlight."

I'd have to agree with them.

Source

I love bringing you tips and tricks each week for looking fabulous and hiding your flaws -- and I really love it when you guys weigh in with your favorites! With 2009 right around the corner, I took a look back through my Fit Beauty collection of posts from this past year and chose five of my faves. Check them out in the gallery, and be sure to tell me in the comments if there's something you'd like me to cover in the new year!

Pregnant women can't always do all of the exercises and sports they did before they became moms-to-be, but golf is not one of them. In fact, I've actually heard that a baby belly can help with form (I can't attest to that, not having had a baby and having pretty poor form no matter what).

The problem comes in when finding something to wear -- you don't want to dress sloppy out there on the course, but you need to be comfortable and able to move easily. And, just as important, you don't want to spend a fortune on something you'll only wear for a couple of months. What options do you have?

Van Linsey has a great solution, where mainstream meets maternity. The women in the picture above, a model and the line's designer, Vanessa Gobes, are wearing the same shirt in the same size. And Vanessa, who is pregnant in the picture (obviously), is wearing a pair of mainstream to maternity jersey pants, which have a comfy fold-down waistband, so they will fit nearly any size waistline.

Source

Running skirts aren't exactly new -- we've covered them here at That's Fit on a few occasions. However, they're definitely gaining in popularity, so I figure it's a topic well worth revisiting. In fact, Runner's World had an article earlier this summer about the rise of running skirts, citing the fact that there is now a series of SkirtChaser 5K races (warning -- automatic sound at this link). And if the fact that there are now races based on the popularity of running skirts doesn't convince you that they're big right now, then I don't know what to tell you.

So what's the benefit of wearing a running skirt? Well, for one thing, it provides the comfort of spandex running or compression shorts without the worry of how your tush looks, because the skirt covers your bum in a much looser fit. Many of the skirts come with long shorts (seven inches or so), or even with full tights. Or, of course, you could always wear your favorite fitted shorts underneath.

Second, lots of them offer pockets, which to me is a huge bonus. I often run my long distances alone, and it's a pain to have to carry water, a phone, keys, and an iPod.

Source

I did a ton of yard work last weekend. Layed out a lasagna-style garden plot, mowed the grass, planted some pansies and cleaned off the patio furniture so I could relax and admire my handy work.

My back hurt, but my head felt great. The mental benefits of being outside and getting your body moving have always been crucial for me. Winter is tough for that reason. Combating stress during colder months means hot tea, hot baths and exercise in a gym. And the affect wears thin after a while. So, for me, spring's arrival doesn't just mean warmer temperatures feeling good on my skin and enjoying the sight and smell of flowers.

The vitamin D and work in the yard make for huge stress relievers. If you haven't tried it, get out and garden. It may work for you too. Just keep the muscle rub and ibuprofen handy.

Source

About 20 years ago, Nike introduced the Air Max Light shoe, which was fairly popular for a while until it was overshadowed by a newer version, the Air Max 90.

Well there are now more than 25 versions of the Air Max, all of them available in various colors for men and women. But, Nike is going back to its Air Max roots with the Nike Air Max Light Retro Running Classic shoes.

A couple of versions, like the ones pictured, are available exclusively through JD Sports. However, there are plenty of other versions from which to choose. Check out the gallery and see which ones you want to collect next!

Source

I have been thinking about getting bangs cut into my hair for ages. I believe I first got the notion after watching the Devil Wears Prada and admiring Anne Hathaway's super cool fringe. Granted she seems to have great hair all the time but something about those bangs made me wonder if I could attempt something similar.

After that I found myself noticing women on the street who had a fringe. Whether the bangs swooped to the side, were ultra-short or cut straight across their eye line, I thought they all looked pretty great. So after weeks of careful deliberation I took the plunge and headed to the hairdresser.

Before I the cutting began, we had a chat about which of the various fringe styles would best suit me. I didn't think I could pull off the cute but really short look and didn't think the swoop would be a dramatic enough change. So we agreed to try that straight across the forehead, just above the eyes style. I was nervous to begin with because if the look didn't work for me I had no idea how I'd hide it while my hair grew back out.

Source

I am a hair dye enthusiast -- I love to color my hair. While some do it to cover gray or because they've always dreamed of being a blond, brunette or red head, I do it because I love that it's a non-permanent way to considerably alter the way I look. Well that, and also due to the fact that my normal hair color is an extremely unappealing shade of mousy, ash-brown.

While I'm happy to shell out a fair-sized amount of cash to have my hair done professionally for special occasions, I can't afford to pay expensive salon prices every time I decide I need a change. I imagine this is the case for most of you fellow dye fans out there. I know that many hairdressers will try to persuade all of us that home hair-coloring kits will forever destroy our hair, but I also know of a few who will admit that many of the products currently on the market do a pretty decent job at a much lower price.

Having said that, if you do decide to try the DIY method, it is important to do a little research beforehand as the onus is on you to get it right. A botched at-home job will end up costing even more when you have to go to a professional to fix the splotchy, orange mess you've made of your former crowning glory. With this in mind, it's important to think about the four things listed here before you start the process.

Source

It's easy to feel jealous when you see magazine spreads of beautiful and seemingly flawless female celebrities, but it's also easy to forget that most of these women spend hours in the hair and make-up chair before those photos are taken.

With a little time and effort, and some help from top celeb stylists, you can look as fantastic as your favorite star. This spread in Glamour Magazine gives you the lowdown on how to copy hairstyles like Natalie Portman's thick and wavy look, Anne Hathaway's stylish updo, Julia Styles' sleek and straight mane and Mary J. Blige's loose curls, as well as Jennifer Hudson's perfectly manicured nails and Reese Witherspoon's fresh and natural make-up.

For step-by-step instructions on how to get these styles, take a look here.

Source

Most of us know to take care of our hands and faces in order to keep a youthful look but do you ever think about how your hair may make you look older? It's not something that I had really considered until I saw this piece that gives advice on how to keep your hair looking as young as the rest of you.

After age 30, women's hair begins to get thinner so help keep your mane strong and think by eating plenty of protein and limiting the amount of time it's braided or in a ponytail, as these styles can cause breakage and damage hair roots. Always use conditioner when you wet your hair in order to prevent dryness and only use dryers, curling irons and straighteners a few times a week, as the high heat can cook your hair.

Finally, be willing to take the time to find a cut that looks good on you (just because a style is current and looks hot on a model in a magazine doesn't mean it will suit your face), and make sure to cover gray with an appropriate color. If you're not sure what will work for you, pay a professional to help you pick a color and style -- it'll be worth the cash.

Source

When it comes to fashion, not every trend or style is for everyone. Part of being fashionable is knowing what looks good on you, being willing to wear the correct size and working what you've got with confidence. Having said that, there are some looks that really don't look good on anyone.

One fashion don't that I really can't stand is the "muffin top", which Martha Edwards recently talked about banishing forever. I think what bugs me so much about it is that most of the people I see rocking the muffin top do so needlessly. It's more about clothing size than weight, as even a tiny size 2 runs the risk of developing Dunlap Syndrome if they insist on squeezing into size 0 jeans and wearing a too-short t-shirt to finish off their ensemble.

Five other major don'ts include:

• Jean on Jean: Lovingly and hilariously referred to as the "Canadian Tuxedo" in my homeland, this fashion sin is especially terrible when the demin colors don't match.
• Sunglasses Indoors: It's unnecessary and makes you come across as either shady or pretentious. Or both.
• Sneakers with skirts: As the article points out, the only acceptable reason for this is if you're walking to work and are going to change when you get to the office. Otherwise, there are lots of more appropriate yet comfy options.
• Blatant Cleavage: There is a difference between sexy and sleazy and a time and place for everything (but in this case, never at work if at all possible). Every woman needs to figure out for herself how much boob is too much, although if your shirt is so low that you're running the risk of a nipple slip, you've probably gone too far.
• Panty Lines: Almost every woman has been guilty of this fashion sin. To avoid panty lines, wear clothes that fit (too-tight pants mean your undies will show through), try a thong or seamless underwear or, if you're comfortable with it, go commando.

Are there any fashion don'ts that you absolutely can't stand?

Source

Looking sexy throughout the summer is about more than just finding the trendiest new swimsuit, wearing it with confidence and looking great (not that there's anything wrong with that either!). According to this, looking good this summer isn't just about showing off your body, but rather it's all about following 6 trends that include everything from looking after your skin to finding the right accessories. Here are 6 picks for heading out in style:

• Don't forget the SPF. Even if you're not worried about skin cancer (and you should be!) sun damage ages your skin, fast. Slather on the sunscreen and keep your skin looking younger for years to come.
• Invest in some cute espadrilles (those sandals with the big, chunky, wedge heels). They look good with a range of outfits and make your legs look longer without being impossible to walk in.
• Find some sunglasses that not only look good on you (those giant, bug-glasses that are in right now don't suit every face shape) but that also protect your peepers against harmful UV rays.
• Forget about wintry brown, blacks and creams when you buy summer clothes. Go bright and you'll get noticed.
• Rather than haul all of your necessities around in a boring purse, throw everything into a big and fun beach bag. Just because you're not lazing on the sand, doesn't mean you can't find ways to pretend you are.
• Buy Bohemian. OK, I've never really gotten into this but what the article says makes sense. Boho clothes are not only chic right now, they're also flowy and comfortable, so they'll keep you cool on a hot summer day.

I think that I could get into pretty much every one of those, except for the Boho clothes (as I mentioned). But next time I go shopping, I may even give that a try. Do you have any different ideas for looking hot this summer?

Source

As little as a decade ago yoga was a fitness activity that I only knew about through healthy-living, new-age diehards and celebrities like Madonna and Ali McGraw. Since then it has grown into a fitness phenonmen so big that it is a rarity to find someone who hasn't tried it or doesn't know someone who has. In fact, within the past year I have had four friends realize they love the practice so much they've begun the intensive training that will eventually allow them to teach their favorite style.

Until a few months ago I avoided jumping on the yoga bandwagon. Was I curious about it? Yes. Was I also a bit afraid and overwhelmed by it? Absolutely! How would I know what type to try? What if I couldn't stretch my limbs far enough or balance properly? What if I fell over during a tough pose in class and made a fool of myself? These are all valid questions for a newcomer.

Luckily one of my friends currently doing her training offered to give me some classes on the basics so that I could learn the poses and she could work on her training skills. I learned from her that yoga is all about challenging yourself, doing your personal best and working up to harder poses in your own time. It is not about competition or judging anyone else in class. For those who don't have someone to introduce them to the practice but are interested in giving it a try and are unsure of where to start, here is a great guide to the different styles and who they're geared toward. Figure out what you'd like to try, check out a beginner's class and, above all, give yourself time to learn and move forward.

Source